This devotional was originally published on August 4, 2016.
My wife and I have two daughters who are enamored with the world and extremely curious about how everything works. My family just moved to Texas around the first of June, so our house is “in process,” which means we have a lot of boxes and a lot of Ikea furniture to put together.
Our oldest daughter, Lola, loves to help out by assisting us in the building process. The second we open a box, she is right there asking if she can help us. At first, we tried to distract her with toys, the iPad and videos, but she was relentless in her pursuit. She wanted to serve her mom and dad. But what task do you give a 3-year old when putting together furniture?
We have found that Lola is pretty good at counting and organizing, so we have her section off all the little pieces and count them. (You know, the very first direction given in the instructions that ALL of us ignore because we assume the manufacturer stocked the package correctly.) I love that Lola wants to help, but to be honest, we don’t need her help. We allow Lola to help for her joy.
Even though Lola can’t really help us at this point in her life, I love her attitude to serve. I love that she wants to help. I love that she is not only concerned about herself. I am so happy that Lola wants to serve, and I am so proud of her for that, but I don’t think this characteristic is specific to just her. I think it’s universal. Most people, if not all of us, want to be involved and a part of the process.
How incredible is it that God allows us to have a part in his process? He doesn’t need us, but he allows us to take part in kingdom work to further his glory. Lola’s desire to help has encouraged me. It is my prayer that we might always have that desire to serve our Heavenly Father, and that we would serve with joy.